This Month In Lambton

Election of the County Warden & Deputy Warden

Lambton County Council will elect its 158th Warden and Deputy Warden during the inaugural meeting of its 2019-2022 term.The Warden's Election is scheduled to get underway at 9 a.m., Wednesday, December 12 in the Council Chambers at the County Administration Building in Wyoming.As of the date of writing, Lambton Shores Mayor Bill Weber is the lone declared candidate for the position of Warden.Other candidates can declare their intention at any time, including on the floor of the County Council Chambers at the Election.

Lambton Student Nutrition Program Thanks Noelle's Gift

Thanks to a $28,000 donation from Noelle's Gift, 40 schools that provide a Student Nutrition Program in Lambton County will be able to purchase healthy food to feed more than 8,100 students every school day.

The presentation, held earlier this month at P.E. McGibbon Public School in Sarnia, highlighted a meal program in action and the benefits of healthy food during the school day.The Ontario Student Nutrition Program-Lambton (OSNP-Lambton) accepted the donation which will be distributed directly to all student nutrition programs in Lambton County.

The Student Nutrition Program is partially funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services through the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) and provides schools with food funding of 14 cents per child, per day. It costs an average of $1 per day to feed a child a healthy snack. Nutrition programs always welcome funding to support food costs.

For more information about the Student Nutrition Program call 519-344-2062 ext. 2011, toll-free 1-800-387-2882 or visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca.

Updated Smoking Laws in Ontario

Changes to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 now restrict the use of cannabis and vapour products, in addition to tobacco, in many public locations. Smoking cannabis and vaping of any substance is prohibited wherever smoking tobacco is prohibited.

In Ontario, it is illegal to consume tobacco, cannabis and use vapour products in the following locations:

*Any enclosed public space*Any enclosed workplace, including workplace vehicles*Common areas of multi-unit dwellings such as apartment buildings, condos, etc.*Child care centres and home child care locations*Spectator areas of sport and entertainment venues*Motor vehicles with children under 16 years of age*Outdoor grounds of hospitals, provincial buildings*Within 9m of entrances to long-term care homes*Sport fields and playgrounds + 20m from perimeter*School properties + 20m from perimeter*Bar and restaurant patios + 9m from perimeter*Outdoor grounds of recreation centres + 20m from perimeter

Lambton Public Health works with the community to ensure compliance with the law, provide required signage and to help create policies. To report a violation anonymously:

The Ontario Cannabis Store website is currently the only legal option to buy cannabis. For more on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 and cannabis resources, visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca.

Housing Services Offers New Portable Housing Benefit

The County of Lambton has introduced a new housing benefit designed to give rent subsidy recipients more choice in the location of the units they rent.The Portable Housing Benefit is being offered in addition to various other rent-geared-to-income options available through the County's Housing Services Department.

The new Portable Housing Benefit will allow individuals to select rental units that are closer to their supports and amenities.This flexibility allows for individuals to select from a broader range of affordable housing options.

Initially, it is anticipated the Portable Housing Benefit will be available to 20 households however that number is expected to increase over time.

To learn more about the Portable Housing Benefit, click on "Housing Services" under the "Residents" heading at LambtonOnline.ca or call 519-344-2057, toll-free 1-800-328-2882.

Winter Driving

Parts of Lambton County have already experienced snow, and winter will soon be here.Many winter collisions happen because drivers are going too fast for road conditions.If you encounter poor conditions while driving, slow down and allow extra space between you and other vehicles.To improve your vehicle's handling on ice and snow, consider having snow tires installed and always carry an emergency supplies kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded.

To learn more about winter driving, visit EmergenciesLambton.ca, and to obtain current Provincial highway conditions and road closure information, visit 511on.ca.

The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation Invests 110,000 into Community

The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation (The Foundation) is continuing its proud tradition of reinvesting into its home community.At a recent meeting, The Foundation's Board approved the funding of two local capital projects:

*$50,000 to Big Brother and Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton to build a multi-use sports court.

*$60,000 to the Kiwanis Club of Forest for the renovation project at the Kineto Theatre.

The Foundation wishes to thank everyone who submitted applications.

Beginning in 2019, The Foundation will move to a once yearly application intake, with 2019 applications being received in the spring until April 1.Please watch for further details at www.jnaf.ca.

Long-Term Care Home to Host Christmas Bazaar

Marshall Gowland Manor in Sarnia will be hosting its annual Christmas bazaar Saturday, December 8.The event, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the County Long-Term Care home, supports the activities of the Homes' Auxiliary. Items for sale include art work, baking, jewelry, home décor, woodworking, handcrafted items, cosmetics, and more.For more information, follow Lambton Cares on Facebook or visit LambtonCares.ca.

Agendas for past and present Committee and Council meetings is available here. Open Sessions of Lambton County Council are streamed live and are also available for archival viewing for a period of one year by clicking on the "Streamed Council Meetings" tab on the County's home page.